Afrobeats megastar Davido is returning to one of football’s grandest continental stages, having been announced as a headline performer for the official kick-off concert of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The high-profile concert, designed to ignite the tournament’s festivities, will be held at the Olm Souissi Fan Zone in Rabat, Morocco, on Sunday, December 21. The event will serve as the premier pre-tournament celebration ahead of the opening match.
Davido, a global ambassador for Afrobeats, joins a diverse international lineup for the concert. He will share the stage with American rapper French Montana, Moroccan artists Douaa Lahyaoui and Says’z, and Franco-Moroccan rapper Lartiste. This blend of talents underscores the cultural fusion and pan-African spirit of the tournament.
Access to the concert is integrated into the tournament’s fan experience, open to spectators who have secured their official FIFA Fan IDs and match tickets for the event.
This appearance marks a significant full-circle moment for Davido, who also delivered a memorable performance at the opening ceremony of AFCON 2017 in Gabon.
His selection highlights his status as a preferred artist for major global sporting events, having previously graced stages such as the 2022 FIFA World Cup draw in Doha, Qatar, and the 2023 Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Awards in the UK.
The 2025 AFCON finals officially commence on Sunday, December 21, with the host nation, Morocco, facing Comoros in the opening match at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah in Rabat.
Davido’s performance will undoubtedly set the tone for a tournament celebrated as much for its electric football as for its vibrant cultural celebrations.
